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Airlines slam new compensation law
Carriers have reacted angrily to the EU’s decision to guarantee payments for passengers bumped off over-booked flights.
Budget airlines in particular argue that the new law – due to be passed by the EU later today – could force them to increase fares.
Compensation levels for customers unable to board will be increased to 250 euros for short-haul flights up to 600 euros for longer journeys. People whose flights are cancelled will also be entitled to the same amount of compensation.
The law will also give delayed passengers refunds for the first time. Airlines will have to refund passengers in full for a delay of two hours or more on short haul flights or four hours on long haul services.
However the plans have been watered down – the EC had originally proposed penalties of up to £1,500.
A Ryanair spokesman claimed that it would be affected less than other airlines by the proposed ruling because it does not overbook its flights.
He told TravelMole:”If you buy a ticket with Ryanair it’s like buying a theatre ticket, the seat is yours.”
However he pointed out that the new ruling discriminated against different forms of travel: “If your train from London to Edinburgh is delayed or cancelled you don’t get a payment.”
And he added that fixed payments could mean passengers receiving compensation that was worth far more than the original ticket price. The spokesman pointed out: “If I take my TV back to the shop I don’t get back 15 times the amount I paid.”
But consumer groups say the new ruling is good news for passengers. Liberal Democrat transport spokesman in the European Parliament Nick Clegg said: “This is a real step forward for air passenger rights. Flight cancellation, overbooking and delays are responsible for blighting thousands of holidays and trips each year.
“This legislation will mean that all airlines will have to face up to their responsibilities to their passengers and play by a single set of rules.”
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